The Human Journey

Course Overview

Join an award-winning science writer as she reveals the story of our unstoppable spread across the planet.

Course No. 10570

This 12-lecture course with Gaia Vince explores:

• 300,000 years of human migration
• Key adaptations that enabled global dispersal
• Genetic and cultural impacts of movement
• Modern migration challenges and opportunities
• Future population shifts from climate change

Through anthropology, genetics, and Earth science, discover how migration defines our species – from Stone Age expansions to 21st century relocations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early human dispersal from Africa
• Technological innovations enabling migration
• Agricultural revolution impacts
• Genetic mixing with ancient hominins
• Urbanization and civilization development
• Economic and political aspects of migration
• Climate change-driven population shifts

Video Lectures

01: The Migrating Ape (25 min)

What makes humans uniquely successful migrants compared to other primates.

02: Why Cooperation Is the Key to Our Success (29 min)

Lessons from failed expeditions about collaborative survival.

03: Moving Ourselves and Our Tools (28 min)

How fire and carrying technology fueled human expansion.

04: How We Invented Valuables to Exchange (34 min)

Trade origins and the development of early currency systems.

05: Moving Out of Africa and across the Globe (32 min)

Homo sapiens’ global dispersal and interactions with other hominins.

06: From Hunting and Gathering to Growing Food (34 min)

Why humans transitioned to agriculture and settled lifestyles.

07: How Migration Changed Our Genes and Cultures (33 min)

Genetic contributions from Yamnaya herders and other ancient populations.

08: How We Invented Civilization (31 min)

Urbanization’s role in trade, governance and disease spread.

09: Migration in the 21st Century (30 min)

Climate change impacts on future population movements.

10: How We Made Migration Hard (32 min)

Historical development of borders and national identities.

11: The Economics of Migration (31 min)

Mutual benefits of migration for individuals and host communities.

12: The Next Phase of Our Human Journey (31 min)

Strategies for managing large-scale climate migration.